OISCA International Great Motivator Award for Magician Gopinath Muthukad

One of the leading magicians, Gopinath Muthukad has won OISCA International South India Chapter’s Great Motivator Award for his contribution towards to the arena of magic as well as motivation of students. The Award constitutes Rs.25,000 worth of gold medal and plaque, to be conferred on Muthukad at an event to be held in Kozhikode on April 28, 2019. Dr. J. Alexander, former Chief Secretary of Karnataka will confer the Award to Muthukad.

Though magic is his passion chosen vocation, he is using the medium to promote harmony in society, in addition to instilling confidence among the younger generation and further inspire them with socially relevant messages and motivational speeches that impact the day to day life of common man. What is more, Muthukad believes that all artists should uphold social responsibility in the creation of meaningful artworks, which will eventually advance the public’s notions on relevant societal issues to promote social advancement.

Magical Motivator

Thanks to his passion for delivering magical messages and earnest commitment to serve the society, which had eventually transformed Muthukad as a magical motivator in addition to an inspiring orator. Oozing with positive energy, his passion for coming up with magical messages at regular intervals, along with compelling commitment to strive for the welfare of the society made him the most popular motivator in Kerala, especially among the children. Muthukad motivates his audience to see things from different perspective, which had helped the magician in a big way to make professional or personal change in their lives and within themselves.

An excellent writer, witty, jovial, Muthukad is using the medium of magic for the past four decades with a strong social message. Magic with a Mission is his motto. Besides magic, Muthukad is also an illusionist, mentor, escapologist and a stunt performer. He has undertaken several risky adventures in his professional career.

Back in 1990, Muthukad had kick-started his maiden mission with the direction of Government of Kerala, carrying a social message to spread the message of literacy. Six years later, he set up Asia’s first Magic Academy at Poojapura in Thiruvananthapuram, propagating magical art to entertain public in addition to spreading moral values to the public. Muthukad is also the recipient of International Merlin Award (Equivalent to Oscar in Magic) in 2011 by the International Magicians Society. Also, Muthukad is the first magician who is credited with Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award in 1995.

Muthukad showed inclination to learn the art of magic, when he was just seven, inspired by the stories of Vazhakunnam Namboothiri and some of the magic shows he happened to witness. However, his turning point in his life was when Muthukad got the opportunity to meet the renowned magician RK Malayath from Nilambur in Malappuram district, where he also hailed from. His foray into the realm of magic began at the age of ten. Since then, he never looked back. Born in a small village near Nilambur, Muthukad is the scion of Devaki Amma and Kunjunni Nair. Born on April 10, 1964 Muthukad got inspired by the stories from his father about Namboothiri. After completing his primary and secondary formal education in schools in his locality, Muthukad graduates in Mathematics from NSS College Manjeri. After that, though he pursued a course in law, half way through he had to drop out, thanks to the overriding passion to pursue magic as his career. Kavitha is his wife and the couple have a son, Gizmay Muthukad.

Magic Academy

Magic Academy in Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram

The Magic Academy was set up with the guidance of late Malayatoor Ramakrishnan, emminant writer and IAS officer and later by the famous poet, late ONV Kurup. Currently, the Academy is headed by international film maker Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The Academy was set up under the Cultural and Charitable Institutions Act is meant for the upliftment and promotion of the art of magic and using the same to fight against all kinds of irrational beliefs, superstitions, violence and other evil practices being practised in the society.

Magic Planet

Magic Plant, another venture initiated by Muthukad is situated at KINFRA Film and Video Park at Kazhakuttom in Thiruvananthapuram. The objective of setting up this endeavour is to provide a permanent rehabilitation hub for street magicians who are on the verge of complete wipe out from mainstream due to the unavailability of platforms to bring out their innate talent and rare skills. Furthermore, Magic Plant is also designed to impart wonders and humongous possibilities of magical art to the public which includes the domestic tourists and foreigners visiting Kerala. Magic Planet came into being on October 31, 2014. At present, Magic Planet is supporting in excess of 200 artists pan India for the daily functioning and take care of their daily needs.

EC Ambassador

Recognising his contribution to the society and the influence he wields among masses, Muthukad has been named as State Icon for Kerala by the Election Commission of India, in order to create awareness and motivating the people to take part in the electoral process. Through a slew of his magical shows, Muthukad was able to create awareness on the importance of democracy and the need to take part in the electoral processes. In fact, Muthukad is the first Keralite selected for this honour. Muthukad has also served as a volunteer in the North Eastern states of India, where people are reluctant to cooperate in the election process.

Unicef Advocate

Muthukad has also been conferred Celebrity UNICEF Advocate status to join the efforst of the international agency in terms of improving condition and status of children in Kerala. Again, Muthukad is the first Keralite and first magician to receive this honour. Muthukard was given this status due to his credibility and ability to communicate critical messages on child rights to a large number of people, particularly mothers, caregivers and the youth. Muthukad has joined hands with the Agency to provide all children with opportunities to survive, develop and reach their full potential to the benefit of the sustained growth and stability of countries and a global standard of human rights for all.

Awards and accolades keep coming to this simple human being, with the OISCA International Award being the latest. He also had authored many books. Muthukad has authored books such as Ee Kathayilumundoru Magic (There is a magic in this story as well), Vaazhakunnam Indrajaala Kathakal (Vaazhakunnam Magic Stories), Magic Magic, Ganitharaamante Kusurthikal (Mathematician’s Mischief), Magic Enthu, Engine? (What and How of Magic) and an autobiography, Ormakalude Maanthrika Sparsham (Magical Touch of Memories).

Muthukad has also undertaken several voyages to promote unity and integrity of the nation. Mission India 2010 was such an imitative, where he undertook a 60 days magical voyage starting from Kanyakumari and going around the country ending up in Chennai, with the patronage of the Union Ministry of Defence. Vismay Swaraj Yatra2007, again was a nation wide journey through the topographical extremities of the nation supported by Nehru Yuva Kendra Santhan and the Union Ministry of Defence. This voyage he undertook paying homage to the Martyrs of the 1857 first war of Independence. Gandhi Mantra, which he undertook in 2005 was a magical journey from Jammu to Kanyakumari with the aim of spreading the seven principles including truth, peace, non-violence, abstinence from alcohol, communal harmony, self-purification and women literacy.

There are umpteen number of initiatives undertaken by this great magician and a humble soul. The Indian News wishes him the best in all his endeavours.

An Authentic Plantation Stay, With Suites Nestled in the Serene Lap of Nature.